Adjustable Anchor Sling for Anatomical Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anatomical support devices for conditions like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse face challenges in secure fixation and adjustable tensioning, leading to suboptimal results due to unreliable anatomical fixation and time-consuming implantation processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of implantable devices featuring a sling with adjustable and fixed anchors, interconnected by suture-like materials, allowing for bi-directional movement and frictional interference to ensure secure placement and adjustable tensioning, facilitated by tools with helical curves for precise anchor placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-anchoring slings are used for urinary incontinence treatment, then anatomical support is provided, but reliable anatomical fixation and acceptable adjustment are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the anchor adjustable rather than fixed. The collar can be moved along the suture material to change the anchor position and tension, allowing the device to adapt to anatomical variations and provide both secure fixation and post-operative adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of anchor fixation from static to dynamic by introducing a collar that can be positioned at different locations along the suture. This allows modification of the anchor's mechanical properties (position, tension, depth) to optimize both fixation reliability and adjustability.
2Reliability
If traditional sling devices are implanted, then anatomical support is provided, but implantation is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anchor into two distinct components: the anchor body and the adjustable collar. This segmentation allows for simplified implantation of the anchor body while enabling post-implantation adjustment of the collar, reducing overall surgical time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor body is implanted and secured in the tissue first, establishing the foundational support structure. The adjustable collar is then added in a preliminary manner, allowing for subsequent tension adjustments without requiring complex initial positioning during surgery.
3Reliability
If fixed anchors are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but adjustment and tensioning are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to move dynamically along the suture material while maintaining frictional engagement. This dynamic design allows the anchor to transition from a fixed state (when collar is positioned) to an adjustable state (when collar is moved), providing both secure fixation and tension adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the anchor body and the suture material. It mediates the interaction by providing frictional engagement with the suture while allowing controlled movement, enabling both secure fixation and adjustable tensioning through its positioning along the suture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure and adjustable anatomical support, reducing the complexity of implantation and improving the effectiveness of anatomical fixation, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Implementation Method 1
configured to exert a compressive force generating frictional interference between the adjustable anchor and the first interconnecting member, to inhibit the bi-directional movement of the adjustable anchor along the first interconnecting member
Implementation Method 2
configured to exert a compressive force generating frictional interference between the tensioning element and the first interconnecting member, to inhibit the movement of the tensioning element along the first interconnecting member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An implantable device for anatomical support includes a sling, a first interconnecting member that is coupled to the sling, and a second interconnecting member that is coupled to the sling. An adjustable anchor is slidably coupled to the first interconnecting member to permit bi- directional movement along the first interconnecting member, and configured to exert a compressive force generating frictional interference between the adjustable anchor and the first interconnecting member, to inhibit the bi-directional movement of the adjustable anchor along the first interconnecting member unless sufficient force is applied to overcome the frictional interference. Also, a fixed anchor is fixedly coupled to the second interconnecting member.